Geriatric cushioned cover and pockets for seat backs, commode lids and bed footboards

ABSTRACT

A padded seat cushion, padded commode lid cover and footboard pocket device are all disclosed for use in the care of elderly or ill patients to prevent skin irritation and discomfort from contact with hard or other exposed surfaces, and to contain nonperishable dry goods for easy access while convalescing in bed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to cushioned covers and storage sleeves for seat backs, commode ids, and bed footboard. More particularly, the invention relates to devices for geriatric care to prevent contact with skin while seated, and a pocket device for a bed footboard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Accordingly, there exists a need for cushioned covers and pocket devices which prevent contact of the elderly person's skin, and provide a pocket for storage of items at the foot of the bed.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide geriatric care devices which minimize skin irritation and contact with hard and uncomfortable chair or commode surfaces.

[0004] It is another object of the present invention to provide a footboard pocket to hold nonperishable dry goods for easy access for convalescents who spend much time in a bed.

[0005] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide comfort and convenience to geriatric patients when sitting. lying in their bed, or using the commode.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The covers are designed to maximize comfort for elderly or handicapped individuals when utilizing the commode, sitting up in a chair, and lying in bed. The covers are made from a durable, washable fabric.

[0007] Commode lid cover consists of a 16″×16″ horseshoe shaped terry cloth or polyester cover with a thick foam rubber insert that is secured over the commode lid through the use of an elastic peripheral band. When the individual is seated on the commode, his or her back may rest agaoins the padded lid cover which is in an upright position. The padded cover absorbs pressure and reduces skin irritation and bruising to the individuals spine and back when seated on the commode.

[0008] The chair sleeve consists of a soft cotton cover designed to fit over the back of most hardback style chairs. The sleeve eliminates skin contact with the chair back portion to prevent skin irritation therefrom. This protective sleeve absorbs perspiration and allows skin to breather.

[0009] The bed footboard pocket consists of a wide sleeve of durable, washable fabric such as denim. The pocket slides over the footboard portion of the bed, ind includes a pocket to hold samll articles such as an elderly person may require nearby, including slippers, prosthesis, medication, and the like.

[0010] The chair and commode covers eliminate skin contact with plastic or upholstery, or other materials typically used in chair backs or commode covers. The bed footboard pocket allows the user to keep necessary items organized and readily available, so as to avoid the need to search around a hospital room or bedroom.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair with a cushiond sleeve positioned on the seat and back;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bed having a slipove pocket sleeve afffixed thereto; and

[0014]FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the lines 4-4 in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cushioned chair cover is generally designated as 10. The seat cushion 12 is placed upon the chair seat 24. The chair back 22 has a back cushion pad 14 connected by a back portion 20 and sleeves 18, 16, which form a pocket 28 that slides over the chair back 22. When the chair cushion is placed over the back 22 and on the seat 24 of the chair, a person may sit on the chair without having any exposed part of their skin touch the seat or back of the chair.

[0016] Referring next to FIGS. 3 and 4, a footboard slipcover is generally designated as 30. Slipcover 30 forms a pocket open at one end, adapted to fit over the footboard 42 of a bed 40. First panel portion 44 is connected by a strip portion 34 to second panel portion 32. First and second panel portions 44, 46 and strip portion 34 define a hollow pocket adapted to fit over footboard 42. A third panel portion 36 is fastened by stitching to second panel portion 32 to form a pouch 46 for holding articles such as medication, papers, valuables, and miscellaneous dry, non-perishable items that an elderly person might require nearby. The pouch is open upwardly and retained closed by elastic band 38, which allows easy access and at the same time prevents the contents from spilling out of the pouch 46.

[0017] The covers are designed to maximize comfort for elderly or handicapped individuals when utilizing the commode, sitting up in a chair, and lying in bed. The covers are made from a durable, washable fabric.

[0018] Commode lid cover consists of a 16″×16″ horseshoe shaped terry cloth or polyester cover with a thick foam rubber insert that is secured over the commode lid through the use of an elastic peripheral band. When the individual is seated on the commode, his or her back may rest agaoins the padded lid cover which is in an upright position. The padded cover absorbs pressure and reduces skin irritation and bruising to the individuals spine and back when seated on the commode.

[0019] The chair sleeve consists of a soft cotton cover designed to fit over the back of most hardback style chairs. The sleeve eliminates skin contact with the chair back portion to prevent skin irritation therefrom. This protective sleeve absorbs perspiration and allows skin to breather.

[0020] The bed footboard pocket consists of a wide sleeve of durable, washable fabric such as denim. The pocket slides over the footboard portion of the bed, ind includes a pocket to hold samll articles such as an elderly person may require nearby, including slippers, prosthesis, medication, and the like.

[0021] The chair and commode covers eliminate skin contact with plastic or upholstery, or other materials typically used in chair backs or commode covers. The bed footboard pocket allows the user to keep necessary items organized and readily available, so as to avoid the need to search around a hospital room or bedroom.

[0022] According to the provisions of patent statutes, I have explained the principle, preferred construction and mode of operation of my invention and have illustrated and described what I now consider to represent its best embodiments. However, it should be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described. 

I claim:
 1. A seat cushion device for a chair comprising: a back cushion pad connected to a back portion and first and second sleeves to form a hollow pocket, such that said pocket conformably slides over a chair back, such that when the cushion pad is placed over the chair back and on a seat of the chair, a person may sit on the chair without having any exposed part of their skin touch the seat or back of the chair.
 2. A footboard slipcover device for covering the footboard of a bed, comprising a pocket open at one end, first and second panel portions 44, 46 and strip portion 34 define a hollow pocket adapted to fit over footboard; the first panel portion is connected by the strip portion to second panel portion; and a third panel portion fastened by stitching to the second panel portion to form a pouch for holding articles such as medication, papers, valuables, and miscellaneous dry, non-perishable items that an elderly person might require nearby, said pouch being open upwardly and retained closed by an elastic band for easy access to articles and to prevent spillage of the pouch contents.
 3. A commode lid cover cushioning device comprising a horseshoe shaped terry cloth cover having a foam rubber portion that is secured over the commode lid through the use of an elastic peripheral band, such that when an individual is seated on the commode, the individual's back may rest against the foam rubber portion encompassing said lid cover which is in an upright position, and the padded cover absorbs pressure and reduces skin irritation and bruising to the individuals spine and back when seated on the commode. 